The purpose of this page is to define available data, a commonly used term in floodplain management.
Definition/Description
When a community has Zone A areas without elevation and/or floodway data, the community shall obtain, review and reasonably utilize Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and floodway data available from a Federal, State, or other source, including data developed pursuant to paragraph 60.3 (b) (3), as criteria for requiring that new construction, substantial improvement, or other development in Zone A on the community''s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM) meet floodplain management standards.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations require that BFE data be included within new subdivision proposals and other proposed developments greater than 5 acres or 50 lots, whichever is lesser.
NFIP Requirement
- 60.3 - Flood plain management criteria for flood-prone areas
- (a) (3)
- (b) (3)
- (b) (4)
Other Applicable NFIP Regulations
Guidance
- IS-9 Managing Floodplain Development Through The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (pages 5-8 to 5-15)
- Managing Floodplain Development in Approximate Zone A Areas (FEMA 265) pp. III-1 to III-8
- Floodplain Management Bulletin 1-98, Use Of Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Data As Available Data Floodplain Management Bulletin 1, Use of Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Data As Available Data (FMB-1)